Apparatus, system and method for an air bearing stage for component or devices

1. An alignment system for providing at least a planar alignment of at least one component in relation to a secondary reference plane, comprising:

a frame and stator assembly, having, at an upper portion thereof, at least a semi-spherical receiving interface;

a movable assembly that moves within the frame and stator assembly, and that is connectively associated therewith by at least a plurality of springs, comprising:

a floating yoke portion, having associated therewith at least:

a plurality of linear motion stops;

a tactile portion that physically interacts with the plurality of linear motion stops and that is suitable for assessing a plane of a topmost portion of the component in relation to a second reference plane;

a semi-spherical stage, suitable for reception by the semi-spherical receiving interface and capable of at least rotational movement therewithin;

a chuck within the semi-spherical stage and capable of at least co-planar, post-planar, and ante-planar positioning in relation to a plane provided by a topmost portion of the semispherical stage, wherein the chuck is capable of receiving the component; and

at least two gripper jaws suitable for receiving and holding, at an upper portion thereof, the component, wherein the two gripper jaws comprise, at a lower portion thereof, at least ramps capable of physically interacting with ones of the motion stops;

wherein the movable assembly allows for placement of a plane provided by the topmost portion of the component into a suitable position with respect to the second reference plane so as to allow for processing of the component and a second electronic element that provides the second reference plane.

2. A method of providing at least a planar alignment of at least one component in relation to a secondary reference plane, comprising:

centering an air bearing stage using at least synchronous jaw grippers having ramps associated therewith, and interaction of those ramps with one or more motion limiters;

moving the air bearing stage in multiple axes; providing the component to the centered, moved air bearing stage;

switching off an air float affecting the component;

actuating a vacuum to grip the component;

closing the jaw grippers on the component;

extending a tactile system to assess a planar alignment of the component with the secondary reference plane;

switching on the air float to affect the component;

engaging the component to an element having the secondary reference plane based at least on an outcome of the extension of the tactile system.

3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the providing comprises providing via a manual handoff tool.

4. The method of claim 2 , wherein the moving of the air bearing stage comprises moving with at least +/−6 degrees of rotational freedom.